On visiting the Blessed Sacrament

Many have formerly undertaken long journeys to visit the relicks and tombs of Saints; how much more desirous should we be to visit Jesus Christ, the Saint of Saints, and the Author of all grace!—The palaces of kings are crowded with courtiers; and Churches, the palaces of Jesus Christ, are deserted and abandoned! What is it that is gained by assiduously waiting on great ones of the world, and the lords of this earth? Nothing frequently but disappointments, whereas Jesus Christ rejects no one; his house and his heart is open to all: he even graciously receives poor sinners that come to humble themselves before him. «Come to me, says he, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.» Matt. XI. 28. What graces, what consolations, and what strength would you not receive, were you often to visit your divine Saviour in this Sacrament of love! You would never leave his company without receiving fresh tokens of his favour.

If it be in your power, go daily, and pay him your devotions. Fail not to do this at least on Sundays and Holidays. Can you pass those days more profitably than by spending a part of them at the feet of your Saviour? You often visit your friends to revive your attachment to them; and can it be too much to go once or twice in the week to Jesus Christ, to renew your love and affection for so kind, so beneficent a friend?—Above all pay your homage to him on the days when you are sensible he is grievously offended; at times when scandals reign, when assemblies of debauchery, and other scenes of licentiousness prevail. The sacred oracles commend young Tobias for never joining in the puerile diversions of youth, and because he went to the Temple to adore God, whilst others went to the assemblies of wicked men.

As to time and leisure, you find time enough for other matters: you grudge not the time employed in your diversions: why, then, do you regret the time, which is devoted to your sanctification? You are never tired of the society of your friends; and why should you be tired of the company of God? «O sweet Saviour! said St. Teresa to Jesus Christ with the tenderest affection, we find pleasure in the silly conversation of creatures, and are so unhappy as to be disgusted and weary when we are in company with thee.»

Be not discouraged, though you find dryness and weariness in the visits which you make to your Lord If you continue them, you will find that the hours spent at the feet of Jesus Christ will appear but as so many moments, and will be to you a source of heavenly graces and benedictions. Should you not have time enough to make long visits to the holy Sacrament, make at least short ones, but let them be accompanied with great fervour and affection.—Fail not to pay a visit to Jesus Christ, when you are in a state of uneasiness, perplexity or under extraordinary temptations; you will then receive from your divine Saviour light, fortitude, and consolation.

The visits which you make to the blessed Sacrament must, however, be regulated by prudence and obedience. It is not a proper time to be in the Church, when you ought to be at your work, your studies, or your necessary employments. In this, your devotion must yield to obedience, to the duties of justice and charity.—When distance of abode, or your necessary occupations, hinder you from paying a visit to your Saviour on his altars, you may nevertheless, in some measure, repair this loss, by substituting a few acts of love and adoration, during your lawful occupations. Say often in the day: My divine Saviour! I adore thee, I love thee. O Jesus, have mercy on me, never abandon me, etc.